The plantar plate is an area under the metatarsal heads of the foot on the base of the joint capsule that encapsulates the joints of the lessor toes. The plantar plate is a robust ligament system which offers firmness to the metatarsophalangeal joints and also is a connection portion of various other ligaments which surrounds these joints. At times that powerful ligament will get overused, which typically gets labelled plantar plate dysfunction. From time to time this may well develop to a minor split in the ligament and will become really painful to walk on. This is whats called a ‘plantar plate tear’. It’s a reasonably frequent musculoskeletal injury of the foot.
Commonly, it is painful under and just distal to the metatarsal joints to walk on and also when the area is palpated. When weight bearing the toe of the affected metatarsophalangeal joint is sometimes a bit elevated. There are a few distinct examinations or moves that health professionals can perform to the toe to test the integrity, function and strength of the plantar plate and also to determine just how extensive the partial tear is actually. The main cause of a plantar plate tear is not generally really apparent, however there are a variety of risk factors that do increase the possibility of getting it, however typically it is due to too much use with an excessive amount of dorsiflexion of the joint. A strange discomfort that some with this concern describe can be a feeling of their sock bunched up under the toes, however when they check out it’s just not.
The easiest way to deal with a plantar plate tear is to have the diagnosis accurate. It is obvious clinically. An ultrasound evaluation can be used to decide the magnitude with the tear and confirm the diagnosis. The typical primary therapy strategy is to use strapping for a plantar plate tear which is designed to hold the toe in a plantarflexed pose to restrict the amount of dorsiflexion with the joint when walking. A metatarsal dome which is positioned just posterior to the sore region could also be helpful to help minimize the load. A firmer or more rigid soled footwear or footwear with a rocker can also be used to help limit the stresses on the toe. Should this is done properly, this plantar plate tear should typically get better gradually. In the event it does not work then a surgical fix with the tear is usually an option.